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SOPBiz - SEPTEMBER 2011

FROM THE CEO's DESK

Welcome to Spring and the biggest issue of SOPBiz ever, with a record number of Member contributions.

2011 AGM
At the recent AGM at the Pullman,we welcomed two new faces to the Board - Mark Dowse from Gift and Homewares Australia and Kelvin Black from Watpac Construction (See 'New Faces' section). A BIG thank you to the Pullman for hosting the Board meeting in the Executive Lounge and the AGM in the Nexus Room.

Further thanks to Optimum Performance Training for providing an eight week personal training program as a business card draw prize which was won by Gilbert Khoury from the Waterview in Bicentennial Park.

Snapshots
Recent Park highlights include the renaming of Acer Arena to Allphones Arena, the tree erected at the top of the GPT development in Murray Rose to signify the completion of top floor, the pending completion of the Australia Avenue roundabout improvements, our recent meeting with Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian and an upcoming meeting with the Roads Minister, Duncan Gay later this month.

Issues
Issues we are lobbying for include direct, week day, peak rail services between Central and Olympic Park (via Strathfield) and improved road access and egress for the precinct.

Diary Date
Don't forget to free up from 4pm on 17 November in your diary for our Christmas Get Together and corporate team building at the WatervieW in Bicentennial Park ( Details at the end of the newsletter)

Out of Office
And finally, I'll be taking a break from 7-25 September, so please copy your emails to allison@sopba.com.au for immediate action or response.

And finally, good luck to the ANZ Stadium team for the NRL Finals Series which kicks off at the Stadium on Friday night with Wests v Dragons.

Pictured - recent Board meeting in the Executive Room, 16th Floor Pullman with the most amazing views around the park and Sydney.


 

NEW FACES

Mark Dowse - Gift and Homewares Australia - Gold Member Representative

Whilst Gift and Homewares is not new to the Board, Mark Dowse is a new face in the Board lineup.

As Manager Government & Industry Affairs, Mark researches and analyses environments and issues which affect or have the potential to affect the gift and homewares industry.

He guides and assists in the development of industry policy in relation to a range of areas affecting the gift and homewares industry from commercial, legislative and social perspectives. He also assists in the recruitment and retention of Members and the development and delivery of services and benefits to Members.

With a Bachelor of Laws from Sydney University Mark has been admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and has three years’ experience as Executive Officer at the Australian Dental Industry Association.

GHA has close links to the Park through their annual Gift and Giving Fair at Sydney Showground.


Kelvin Black - Watpac Construction NSW -Silver Member Representative

Kelvin Black, Manager - Pre Construction for Watpac Construction NSW joins the Board as one of two Silver Member representatives. Leonora Todesco, Training and Customer Service Manager,Jemena, is the other silver Board Representative.

Kelvin has 34 years experience with his tertiary qualifications in Construction and a Master of Business Administration.

He was previously involved in the development of Norwest Business Park, but closer to home Kelvin was involved in the construction of a number of Park buildings including NSWIS, the Lotteries office in Parkview Drive, the first CBA building at10 Dawn Fraser Avenue and 8 Australia Avenue where Watpac's office is located.

You can learn more about all Board Members by clicking on the link http://www.sopba.com.au/about/boardprofile.asp.


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OUT 'N ABOUT

Commonwealth Bank supports Daffodil Day

Business Units across Commonwealth Bank of Australia at Sydney Olympic Park joined together to raise an amazing $9,800 for Daffodil Day.

All lobbies of the three buildings in Dawn Fraser Avenue were decorated with yellow balloons and merchandise was on display.

On the day, 47 volunteers contributed one hour each to selling merchandise. Business units across the floors also assisted by hosting morning teas and selling products.

The bank is proud to support such a worthy cause that has touched the lives of many people. A great team effort! 


Venue Managers treated to behind the scenes look at Saltimbanco

Members of the Venue Management Association (VMA), who attended an After-Five function recently, were given a behind the scenes look at Saltimbanco at Allphones Area.


Production Manager Chris May (picturerd) and Allphones Arena General Manager Paul Sergeant were the hosts for the night, providing a history of the Show, an insight into the life of a Cirque du Soleil performer and a closeup look at the amazing costumes that are such an iconic part of Cirque du Soleil shows generally.


NSW Waratahs Win 2011 AHL Silver after thrilling Final

The NSW Waratahs fought galliantly on Finals Day against a class outfit, the WA Thundersticks going down 4-3 on Saturday 13 August. 

Improving with every game, the Thundersticks proved to be the form team in 2011, launching a final minute PC assault and earning their place in the history books with another AHL Championship.

NSW Waratahs were AHL Champions 1997, 2001 and 2005 and AHL Runner-Up 1993, 2000, 2010 and 2011.


September school holiday solution for working parents in the Park

Sydney Olympic Park offers school holiday fun and adventure for your children with your YMCA.

More than any other activity, Camp is a fantastic opportunity for your children to have fun, learn new skills, meet new friends, make life-long friends and to experience something new.

Campers will learn valuable skills including team work, independence and self confidence through:
·  Day Camp programs for children aged 5-16 years.
·  Safe, active, outdoor fun; building strong kids since 1937!
·  Friendly, qualified instructors delivering safe and exciting activities tailored to suit each age group.
·  Great nutritious food.
·  A super-fun alternative to day care. There is an early drop off and late pick up for the convenience of working parents.

All the details are in the attached pdf.

September school Holiday camp

$7 Pizza Menu

After a long day at work, if you don't feel like cooking, check out the 'Cheap Tuesday ' Pizza Menu at The Brewery in the Novotel. The pdf attached details the types of pizzas on offer.

$7 pizza menu

Higher duties

The installer of the new CCTV cameras at the Hockey Centre reached great heights in his career recently. This was definitely not a job for the feint hearted, or anyone with a fear of heights.


The job necessitated a crane to reach the top of the light tower that overlooks the compeition hockey pitch.


Newest Park resident

The resident Sea-Eagles (of the feathered, not footballing kind) at Sydney Olympic Park are the proud parents of a little eaglet.

After incubating two eggs, sadly the first of the two chicks born on 14 August died after just a few days.

EagleCAM is a live remote feed operated out of the Birds Australia Discovery Centre in Newington Armory. Further details and updates on our fine, feathered friend can be found on the Birds Australia website.


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ACCOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Rugby World Cup 2011

Watch four of the Wallabies games live on the big screen at The Brewery starting with Australia v Italy on Sunday, 11 September.Other games include Ireland, USA and Russia.  

RWC - LIve at The Brewery

Melbourne Cup at The Brewery

Sydney Olympic Park offers options for you and your staff to enjoy Melbourne Cup day on the first Tuesday in November. Check out the package on offer at The Brewery.

Melbourne Cup at The Brewery

Ultimate experience V8 package in the Novotel

The Novotel is offering an all inclusive food, beverage and Day Pass package with two viewing options for this year's Sydney Telstra 500 V8 Supercars race. Check out all details in the attached pdf. 

V8 package at the Novotel

Shared Christmas with Accor

Come and join other local businesses at two, Shared Chrismas parties in The Brewery, complete with all the festive trimmings. Read the attached pdf for all the details.

Shared Christmas

New Years Eve in Sydney Olympic Park

See in 2012 in style! Both the Novotel and the Pullman offer New Years Eve packages which include food, wine, parking and accommodation in a superior room. All the details are in the attached pdf. 

New Year's Eve in the Park

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ALLPHONES ARENA

Acer Arena becomes Allphones Arena

Australia’s leading entertainment venue Acer Arena became Allphones Arena on 1st September 2011. This follows the appointment of Australia’s largest independent mobile phone retailer Allphones as the successful naming rights partner.

The five year naming rights deal followed an extensive search by venue manager, AEG Ogden and joint venture subsidiary AEG Global Partnerships.

AEG Ogden, a joint venture between Australian interests and AEG Facilities of the United States, is one of the largest venue management companies in the world.
AEG Ogden Chairman and CEO, Harvey Lister said it was important to find the right fit for the venue recently named by the industry magazine, Venues Today, as the number two in the world for those with a capacity of 15,000 or more.

“Given the venue’s international standing and reputation, it came as no surprise the amount of interest received from potential high profile companies.

“But in conjunction with the venue owner, Nine Entertainment Co, it was agreed Allphones offered the best opportunities to not only grow their business through the venue but enhance the event experience for the one million plus patrons who attend events there every year,” Mr Lister said.

The General Manager of Acer Arena, Paul Sergeant said the partnership with Allphones was a perfect fit as most people these days are receiving their event information via their phone.

“With mobile access quickly overtaking PC access the partnership will see the Arena adopt many new initiatives that will be delivered through Allphones stores," he said.

The naming rights deal includes an agreement to continue to broadcast the successful Allphones Eclipse Music TV on the Nine Network. Produced by Smart Market Productions, the music entertainment program will be recorded at Allphones Arena from September 2011.


Saltimbanco

Over 83,000 patrons recently attended 25 performances of Cirque du Soleil's longest running touring show, Saltimbanco, at Allphones Arena. With the success of shows such as Saltimbanco, it is easy to see why Allphone Arena is ranked #2 in the world in Venues Today Mid Year 2011 “Top Stops,” behind The O2 in London and ahead of Madison Square Garden in New York.


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ANZ STADIUM UPCOMING EVENTS

Korea's biggest pop stars to hit ANZ Stadium

Footy finals will make way for festival fun at ANZ Stadium with the 2011 K-POP MUSIC FEST set to hit the venue on Saturday 12 November. K-Pop, short for Korean Pop, is a music genre which incorporates elements of electronic, hip hop, pop, rock, and R&B.

The festival is the first of its kind in Australia and has already secured top K-Pop artists such as TVXQ, SNSD, SHINee, Secret and Miss A.

KARA, 4 Minute, 2AM, CN Blue, Beast (B2ST), MBLAQ and Sistar round out the 12-artist bill.

Tickets will go on sale through Ticketek on Thursday 1 September.
The 2011 K-POP MUSIC FEST will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Australia and Korea.

ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said: “K-Pop is a shift from our more regular events which is just one of the reasons we were keen to take it on board."

The K-Pop genre may be new to ANZ Stadium but music is not with the venue playing host to some of the world’s biggest acts including AC/DC, U2 and The Rolling Stones.


Top acts announced to rock the V8s

Iconic Australian rock will return to ANZ Stadium in December as part of the Sydney Telstra 500’s rock and race extravaganza.

Event promoters have announced an outstanding concert lineup with Hunters & Collectors, John Farnham, Noiseworks and James Reyne all on board for the ultimate night of rock on Saturday 3 December.

Significantly, for Hunters & Collectors it will be a once-only reunion 13 years after the group bid farewell to the music scene.

The bill is reminiscent of the inaugural Sydney Telstra 500 when legendary rockers Cold Chisel reformed for a one-off performance in front of a heaving ANZ Stadium crowd.

V8 Supercar Chairman, Tony Cochrane, said: “There is nothing more Australian than V8 Supercars and these incredible home-grown artists and bands that have been the constant of Aussie rock for decades.

Rarely before have so many Australian greats appeared on the same card and on the same stage in what will be a night to cherish.

ARIA Award-winning hip hop sensation Bliss N Eso will head the Friday night concert bill. More acts and venue confirmation will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The Sydney Telstra 500 is three high-octane days of non-stop entertainment combining a hair-raising street race with two nights of sensational concerts. Fans can enjoy it all with the 3-day Rock n’ Race pass available for just $133.

Public transport is also included pre-purchase tickets on select services. 

Sydney Telstra 500 tickets, which include concert entry, are now on sale. Business Association Members have an offer for General Admission and Grandstand tickets which extends until 30 September. Check out the link: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SYDNEYGA11.


International T20 tickets on sale

The unique chance for sports fans to be part of cricket history is upon us with tickets to the highly-anticipated debut of international cricket at ANZ Stadium now on sale. 
The historic match, scheduled for Wednesday 1 February, will see Australia take on India in a thrilling Twenty20 contest that is expected to set the 82,000-seat venue on fire next summer.

Tickets are available through Ticketek. Click here or call 132 849.

Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer, David Gilbert (pictured), said: “With tickets going on sale, we take a big step closer to the historic, not to mention exciting, debut of international cricket at ANZ Stadium.

 “We’ve already experienced great T20 success at ANZ Stadium with fans embracing the domestic competition at the venue.

 “With two of the game’s powerhouse nations going head to head on February 1, we’ve got our sights set on a bumper crowd and the fantastic ticket prices will only help the cause.”

Tickets are available from just $30 for an adult or $15 for kids. A Family Pass also boasts a value-for-money price tag, starting at just $67.50.

ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said: “The countdown is well and truly on and we can’t wait to see Australia and India go head to head in our backyard.

Travel on public transport to and from the Stadium is included in the price of all tickets.


Sydney Thunder debuts in the Big Bash 23 December

Twenty20 will be in full swing at ANZ Stadium even before the international fixture with the Sydney Thunder to make their debut on Friday 23 December.

As part of the Big Bash League (the re-vamped domestic competition), the Thunder meet the Adelaide Strikers at home before hosting the Melbourne Renegades (Friday 30 December), Sydney Sixers (Sunday 8 January) and Perth Scorchers (Wednesday 11 January).

Tickets to these games will be released later in the year. Sydney Thunder Memberships are currently available. Click here for more information.
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=T20ANZ11 http://www.sydneythunder.com.au/membership


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ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Four weeks to go!


The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation helps to build strong, vibrant rural communities through education and skills development.
They provide grants and scholarships to help rural Australians realise their potential through education, make a difference in their communities and achieve their ambitions.

With just four weeks to go until the RAS Foundation 2012 Rural Scholarships and JB Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism close, Jocellin Jansson, Executive Officer of the RAS Foundation, would like your support in circulating this message to ensure students are aware that this assistance is available.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation is searching for passionate and enthusiastic people who are determined to make a difference to rural and regional Australia, particularly NSW.

Rural Scholarships (NSW students only)
·Up to $5,000 for full time students and $1,500 for part time students
·Do you have a passion for rural issues and see yourself playing a part in positively shaping the future for rural NSW?
·Do you need a financial helping hand in order to achieve your higher education goals and aspirations?
·There is no limit on the age of applicants
·The Foundation supports university, TAFE, VET and apprenticeship studies
J B Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism (Open to Applicants Australia Wide)
· The $10,000 Award to encourage students across Australia to pursue a career in rural journalism and tell the stories of Australian agriculture

Applying is easy, simply go to http://www.rasnsw.com.au/828.htm Applications close on 30 September 2011. Funding will be provided for the 2012 academic year.Please contact the RAS Foundation on 02 9704 1234 or foundation@rasf.org.au with any questions.


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SOPA NEWS

Enhancing the lives of disadvantaged children

School students from across regional NSW embraced the opportunity to learn and play for a week in Sydney Olympic Park as part of the Parklands 4 Learning project for disadvantaged groups.

The children enjoyed new experiences during their time in the Park including archery, a trip to the Aquatic Centre, a tour of ANZ Stadium and Blaxland Riverside Park’s new adventure playground.

The entire 17-student body of Caragabal Public School travelled 400 kms to be a part of the experience.

“You have changed the lives of our students here this week, and they will always remember their time in Sydney,” reflected Judy Gorton, Principal of Caragabal School.

Curriculum-based environmental education workshops enhanced the children’s learning, where they assessed environmental management practices, identified water bugs and conducted scientific water testing in Bicentennial Park.

Deemed disadvantaged due to low socio economic status; welfare issues; isolation; or disability, opportunities like this are rare for these children.

Mike Bartlett, Sydney Olympic Park Authority Education Manager, said the entire experience had been positively overwhelming for the students, many of which had never been to Sydney before.

“For many of the students this was their first time that they had been able to attend a school camp as the cost of attending has not been financially possible,” said Mr Bartlett.

“It was an absolute joy to watch many of the children open up and blossom during the week, as well as witness their excitement as they experienced new things.”

Sydney Olympic Park Authority’s Parklands 4 Learning project funded full board, accommodation, environmental excursions, and venue tours for all of the students. Galston Rotary Club funded a trip on the Rivercat and an excursion to the Aquarium, which further enhanced the experience.

Parklands 4 Learning is an innovative approach to purposely engaging a broader community with the Park, particularly those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Through the program, student groups are provided priority access to all the Park has to offer: education, recreation, unique built and natural environments, and a central launching pad for the exploration of Sydney.


Six months of Park events

Check out Park events for the last quarter of 2011.

October-November Park events

And here comes a taste of 2012

Here are some of the events already confirmed for 2012.

January to March 2012 Park event

Park venues wow event industry delegates

 Delegates of the Australian Business Events Expo Hosted Buyers Program were wowed by the quality of Sydney Olympic Park’s venues during a memorable Dine Around experience.

Sydney Olympic Park Authority successfully secured the right to host the farewell dinner for the program, showcasing the Park as the destination of choice for all business events.

On the night, event industry representatives wined and dined their way around three of the Park’s major venues, tantalising their tastebuds with entrée at Sydney Showground’s Dome, main at WatervieW in Bicentennial Park and an innovative dessert buffet (pictured) in the Ambassador Room in ANZ Stadium.

Attendees sang praises of the culinary expertise and capabilities of the three venues.  

While Sydney Showground, WatervieW in Bicentennial Park and ANZ Stadium are three of Sydney Olympic Park’s key venues, the Park has over 100 function spaces suitable for everything from an intimate dinner meeting to a major conference or international exhibition.

To learn more about hosting an event at Sydney Olympic Park contact Karlah Van Arend on 02 9714 7133 or businessevents@sydneolympicpark.com.au


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TENNIS ANYONE?

Cardio Tennis

Did you know the average person can burn around 700 calories during a Cardio Tennis session and only about 350 calories playing doubles and approximately 500 calories playing singles?

Cardio Tennis is a group fitness program that incorporates tennis, making exercise fun and sociable. It can be played by all ages and tennis abilities.

It is an ideal program for the busy lifestyle of business professionals and parents of young families and the good thing is that you can play it right here in Sydney Olympic Park's Tennis Centre. Read the attached pdf for all the details.

Cardio Tennis

Corporate tennis days and team building

Tennis is the ideal corporate activity to mix business and pleasure as all participants have the opportunity to mix and network throughout the entire event.

The team at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre will ensure that all players, regardless of their tennis ability, thoroughly enjoy their experience at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.

A corporate tennis day package can be tailored to suit your individual requirements and can be enhanced by professional coaches,personalized memorabilia and your own post-tournament function with tophies and prizes. Read about what's on offer in the attached pdf.

Corporate Tennis and Team Building Days

Court hire details

The world class Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre boasts 16 floodlit championship courts which are available for hire to Park employees and the public seven days a week.

Onsite there are change rooms with showers,a pro-shop café and plenty of free parking.

All Tennis NSW registered players will receive a discounted rate on court hire! Check out the rates in the attached pdf.

Court Hire Details

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WATERVIEW IN BICENTENNIAL PARK

Melbourne Cup Fundraiser for Special Olympics Australia

Network Ten journalist and newsreader Ron Wilson will host this year's Special Olympics Australia Melbourne Cup function at the WatervieW in Bicentennial Park.

His Network Ten colleague, Natarsha Belling, will again be involved in 2011, comparing the Myer Fashion parade. Details of the event, including booking contacts are in the attached pdf.

For those who attended last year, rest assured this year will be even bigger and better.

Special Olympics Australia Melbourne Cup Fundraiser

Business Association Christmas get together 17 November

Having watched former Socceroo Captain Paul Wade in action during one of his corporate team building sessions (see picture), I can guarantee you a lot of laughs and a great way to start to wind down the year.

On Thursday, 17 November at the Waterview in Bicentennial Park from 4pm the Business Association invites all Members to come along to network, have some laughs, savour some of the Waterview's catering and experience one of 'Wadies' sessions. More information will be forwarded shortly, but please put this date in your diary, Outlook or Blackberry, or better still all of the above!

Paul Wade's team building sessions can be added on to an existing function at the venue, or be a stand-alone, with some catering at the end of the session.


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For more information contact
Sydney Olympic Park Business Association
PO Box 6239
Silverwater NSW 1811
Tel +61 2 9746 1200
sopba@bigpond.com.au  
 
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